
0
Sixteen facts about Tawang
Tawang is the western most part of the state of Arunachal Pradesh. Natural beauty, high altitude passes, Buddhist monasteries, lakes and proximity to the actual Indo-China line of control is what makes this district a wanderlust escape. Here are some facts about this Northeastern town.
- Taking a shared SUV is the best and most economical way to travel around Tawang district. They are easily available but one may need to bargain well to get a good deal.
- Puri bhaji is the staple breakfast all over Arunachal Pradesh. It is available easily in almost all eateries and dhabas across the state.
- Having a cup of chai is the best way to beat the morning cold in Tawang. It does get super cold with temperatures even going down to minus.
- Snack stalls can be found all over the route from Guwahati to Tawang town. You will not want for food while travelling on this road.
- You will find frozen lakes in Tawang during the winter months from December to March. The temperatures are so sub-zero that all the lakes here freeze up.
- Tawang monastery has an in-house school for young lamas. It is a great place to meet and greet these young students who are shy but friendly once you make friends with them. They may also oblige you by posing for pictures too.
- PT Tso lake is located around 20kms from the town of Tawang. Also known as Pankang Teng Tso Lake, this lake is on the other side of a peak that is lead by some pretty bumpy roads.
- Home stays are the best way to experience Tawang. Much like the rest of India, staying with a local family is truly the best way to get a close look at the life of people who live there. Living with them in their homes help you to truly have a great experience.
- Bum La is the Indo-China border in Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh. It leads to China’s Cona County in Tibet.
- Nuranang Falls is located around 40 kms from Tawang town and is also known as Jang falls or Bong Bong Falls. There is a small hydel plant which generates electricity for locals that is located at the base of the falls. As per a popular myth, the falls are named after a local Monpa girl who was named Nura. The story says that she helped a soldier in the 1962 Sino-Indian War. But this is contested as the name was so as per many locals much before 1962.
- Restaurants in Tawang town shut down by 8-9 pm daily. It is very difficult to find food after that so an early dinner is recommended here to avoid going hungry to bed.
- The sun rises in Tawang anytime between 4-5 am daily. Day begins very early here and much like many parts of Eastern India, the sun touches its first rays much earlier than the rest of the country.
- Y junction in Tawang is the gateway to Bum La pass, the Indo-China border.
- Every lane of Dirang town is covered with prayer flags. This is a colourful sight for all who visit this Arunachal town.
- There is an overnight bus from Guwahati in Assam to Bomdila in Arunachal Pradesh.
- Tawang has an excellent 4G network. One won’t have any issues with keeping in touch via social media while in Arunachal Pradesh as it has good cellphone network across.